Start With the Requirements
A workmanship opinion is only as good as the standard it is judged against. Before describing any condition as acceptable or deficient, Paul identifies what the work was supposed to be. The requirements usually come from several sources, and they do not always agree:
- The construction contract, including scope descriptions, allowances and exclusions
- Drawings and specifications, as revised by addenda, change orders and approved submittals
- The building code adopted by the local jurisdiction at the time of permit
- Manufacturer installation instructions for the products used
- Recognized trade practice where the documents are silent
Where these sources conflict, the analysis notes the conflict instead of choosing the most convenient standard. More detail on each source is on the workmanship standards page.
Examine the Installed Work
The second step is a careful record of what is actually there. During a site inspection Paul looks at how materials were laid out, fastened, aligned, sealed and finished, and whether components were installed in the right sequence. He photographs conditions in context and close up, and records locations so that each photograph can be tied back to a room, elevation or gridline.
He also pays attention to what the conditions are not. A crack, gap or stain is a symptom. Before attributing it to workmanship, the analysis considers other explanations such as normal movement, later damage, owner alterations or maintenance. The defect evaluation page explains how those alternatives are sorted out.
Compare and Explain
The comparison is where the opinion forms. For each condition, Paul asks three questions:
- What did the governing requirement call for?
- What does the installed work show?
- Is the difference significant to the function, durability, appearance or code compliance of the work?
That third question matters. Not every departure from a drawing is a defect, and not every imperfection is a breach of a contract. Construction tolerances, allowances in the specification and the intended use of the space all affect whether a condition is a reasonable variation or a deficiency that requires correction.
Document the Basis
Every opinion in a written report identifies its basis: the document reviewed, the condition observed, the photograph that shows it, and the requirement it is compared with. That structure lets counsel test the opinion before disclosure and lets the fact finder follow the reasoning at trial. It also keeps the opinion within the boundaries of Paul's experience as a contractor and carpenter, without drifting into engineering or design questions.
For an overview of how reports are built and defended, see expert reports and testimony.